A Toms River Police Officer and two Good Samaritans were presented lifesaving awards Tuesday night for their actions to save the life of a motorcyclist who was injured during a June 16th traffic accident.
Toms River Police Officer Bridgette Badalis and brothers Christopher and Joseph Drago received proclamations from Mayor Maurice Hill and the Township Council. A third Good Samaritan, Miguel Otero, was unable to attend the meeting.
The Township Council presents Christopher Drago, Joseph Drago and Toms River Police Officer Bridgette Badalis with Lifesaving Awards. (Pictured L to R: Councilman Kopp, Councilwoman Maruca, Councilwoman Huryk, (back row) Council President Geoghegan, Joseph Drago and family, Christopher Drago (front center) Officer Bridgette Badalis, Police Chief Mitch Little, Mayor Maurice Hill, Councilman Rodrick, Councilman Lotano, Councilman Turnbach.
The accident occurred at the intersection of Route 70 and Whitesville Road between a car and motorcycle. The motorcyclist lost his leg in the crash.
Christopher Drago immediately called 9-1-1 to report the accident. While awaiting first responders to arrive, MiguelOtero immediately rendered aid to the injured motorcyclist by removing his own shirt to help control the bleeding on the victim’s leg and Joseph Drago removed his belt using it as atourniquet on the victim’s leg.
Officer Bridgette Badalis applied two tourniquets to the victim’s leg after she arrived on the scene. All three Good Samaritans assisted first responders in lifting the injured motorcyclist onto a backboard for transportation to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for further treatment.
Mayor Hill stated, “Officer Badalis, who started with the Toms River Police Department as a special officer in September, is commended for using her training and experience to save a person’s life. Without the quick response and critical life support rendered by these three Good Samaritans and Officer Badalis, a life would have been lost.”
“The actions of Officer Badalis, Christopher, Joseph and Miguel were lifesaving, heroic and outstanding contributions to public safety in Toms River,” said Council President Kevin Geoghegan.
